Solar Energy

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Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) has a goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as outlined in the community's Comprehensive Plan, Imagine Lexington 2045. In part, the plan calls for Lexington to "Expand and Promote Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Electrification Initiatives."

In support of this goal, the LFUCG is working to be recognized as a SolSmart community - a designation of cities, towns, counties, and regional organizations that are solar energy leaders. One requirement of this designation is for communities to have clear policies related to solar energy technologies. Lexington had no such policy.

The Urban County Council reviewed proposed language to the local zoning ordinance (the rules for how land can be used) that would decide what types, how, and where these technologies are allowed in Lexington.

During the August 19, 2025 Work Session, Council voted to allow:

  • Rooftop and integrated solar energy systems in all zones.
  • Small-scale ground-mounted (up to 2,500 sq. ft) in residential zones with a conditional use permit and allowed in business/industrial and agricultural zones as an accessory use.
  • Intermediate-scale ground-mounted (up to 5 acres) in business zones, but would require a conditional use permit in agricultural zones.
  • Large-scale solar (over 5 acres) in business/industrial zones. Not permitted in agricultural zones at this time.

While they did not vote to allow large-scale solar arrays in agricultural zones, Council did include guidance in the ordinance so the Kentucky Public Service Commission can reference local priorities if a utility company proposes such a project at the state level (utility companies are not required to follow local land use rules). The ordinance specifies that large-scale solar in agricultural zones should be limited to no more than 1% of the county’s total acreage, installations should maintain at least 85% vegetative ground cover, and a land management plan must be submitted to the local government.

The Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment received first reading at the Council Meeting on August 28, 2025, and second reading at the Council Meeting on September 11, 2025.

Please share your thoughts about solar technologies in Fayette County by commenting in the forum below, contacting Council offices directly, and/or joining us for public comment during an in-person Council meeting.


Solar Working Group

Council Members Liz Sheehan, Hil Boone, Tyler Morton, and Dave Sevigny established a working group to learn more about and further discuss large-scale solar technologies on properties outside of the Urban Service Area (USA).

Click here to learn more about the group's work.

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) has a goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as outlined in the community's Comprehensive Plan, Imagine Lexington 2045. In part, the plan calls for Lexington to "Expand and Promote Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Electrification Initiatives."

In support of this goal, the LFUCG is working to be recognized as a SolSmart community - a designation of cities, towns, counties, and regional organizations that are solar energy leaders. One requirement of this designation is for communities to have clear policies related to solar energy technologies. Lexington had no such policy.

The Urban County Council reviewed proposed language to the local zoning ordinance (the rules for how land can be used) that would decide what types, how, and where these technologies are allowed in Lexington.

During the August 19, 2025 Work Session, Council voted to allow:

  • Rooftop and integrated solar energy systems in all zones.
  • Small-scale ground-mounted (up to 2,500 sq. ft) in residential zones with a conditional use permit and allowed in business/industrial and agricultural zones as an accessory use.
  • Intermediate-scale ground-mounted (up to 5 acres) in business zones, but would require a conditional use permit in agricultural zones.
  • Large-scale solar (over 5 acres) in business/industrial zones. Not permitted in agricultural zones at this time.

While they did not vote to allow large-scale solar arrays in agricultural zones, Council did include guidance in the ordinance so the Kentucky Public Service Commission can reference local priorities if a utility company proposes such a project at the state level (utility companies are not required to follow local land use rules). The ordinance specifies that large-scale solar in agricultural zones should be limited to no more than 1% of the county’s total acreage, installations should maintain at least 85% vegetative ground cover, and a land management plan must be submitted to the local government.

The Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment received first reading at the Council Meeting on August 28, 2025, and second reading at the Council Meeting on September 11, 2025.

Please share your thoughts about solar technologies in Fayette County by commenting in the forum below, contacting Council offices directly, and/or joining us for public comment during an in-person Council meeting.


Solar Working Group

Council Members Liz Sheehan, Hil Boone, Tyler Morton, and Dave Sevigny established a working group to learn more about and further discuss large-scale solar technologies on properties outside of the Urban Service Area (USA).

Click here to learn more about the group's work.

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  • How should solar energy technologies be used in Fayette County?

    4 months ago
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Page last updated: 03 Nov 2025, 01:59 PM